The first school bell of September did not sound the same for Greece’s Special Schools – the institutions that educate children with autism and other severe, mostly intellectual, disabilities. Unlike mainstream schools, the beginning of this academic year brought not celebration, but a reminder of the daily challenges parents must fight through.
Beyond the inherent difficulties their children face, families are confronted with a series of unresolved systemic problems: finding an available spot in a nearby school – essential, since even minor delays or disruptions can destabilize these children – securing transportation from the very first day, and ensuring meaningful afternoon activities.
Closed doors and overcrowded classrooms
The shortage of specialized institutions, trained teachers, and support staff means many parents are literally turned away at the school gates. The words “we are over capacity, please look elsewhere” hit like a thunderbolt. From there on the desperate search for another school, as close to home as possible, begins.
With this comes the lingering question: Why is quality education not guaranteed for children with autism or intellectual disabilities? And why must so many parents sacrifice jobs, income, and stability simply to provide their children with the basics – education and care?
“Bursting at the seams”
According to the president of the United Parents’ Association of People with Disabilities in Attica, complaints are already piling up. “This is not a new problem. It has been going on for years,” he says.
At the Special Vocational Education and Training Workshop (EEEEK) in Nea Ionia, a school designed for 80 students now hosts 180. The EEEEK of Agios Dimitrios, along with its co-located Special Vocational High School (ENEEGYL), houses around 400 students in a building meant for half that number – teachers included.
Because of overcrowding, new students are registered but must stay home until a spot opens in another, often distant, school. Some parents still don’t know which school their child will attend or if transport will be provided.
Shortages at every level
The situation extends far beyond space. Schools are beginning the year with critical shortages of transportation, social workers, psychologists, aides, physiotherapists, nurses, PE teachers, technicians, and even cleaners.
“Just when support for students with special needs is more urgent than ever, schools are starting with gaps and deficiencies,” says teacher Giota Pollatou. She recalls last May, when bus transport for 15 students at the ENEEGYL of Agios Dimitrios was suddenly canceled because tourist season had begun.
After parents’ protests, the routes were reinstated – just in time for exams and the summer break.
Pollatou denounces what she calls the state’s “selective incompetence” in addressing the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
No Special Junior High School in Athens
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of a Special Vocational Education and Training Workshop within the boundaries of the Municipality of Athens itself. Families of children with disabilities living in the capital are forced to send them far across the city each day.
For years, parents have been knocking on doors, appealing to ministers and deputy mayors, demanding the obvious: a secondary school for their children in central Athens.
So far, their cries echo unanswered…
